Same-sex marriage bans back in court

CINCINNATI, Ohio (NEWSCHANNEL 3) - Michigan's ban on same-sex marriage is back in the spotlight.

Wednesday, the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Cincinnati heard arguments about gay marriage bans in Michigan, Ohio, Kentucky, and Tennessee.

Michigan's ban was thrown out earlier this year, but same-sex marriages are on-hold until the legal process plays out.

Suzanne Goldberg, of Columbia Law School, says shifts in American attitudes could influence the justices.

"The change in public opinion shapes the landscape in which the court will hear a case coming up about same sex couples' right to marry," she explained. "And while the justices on the court can do whatever they like, //, the shift in the landscape will unquestionably shape the context for their opinion."

In court Wednesday, one judge said, it "doesn't look like the sky has fallen" in other states where same-sex marriage is legal.

Another judge asked whether the issue should be in front of the court at all.